"As for the situation in the Middle East crisis, I can just say that now is the time for diplomatic efforts" although Israel has to protect itself from Hezbollah bombing, Cohen-Litant told reporters after a meeting with Cyprus Justice and Public Order Minister Sofoclis Sofocleous.

"On the other hand we have to protect ourselves because unfortunately the Hezbollah is shelling our villages and cities in the north continuously day after day," Cohen-Litant said.

"We do not want to take drastic measures because it will cause many-many deaths of innocent people in the southern part of Lebanon," Cohen-Litant said, adding "that is why we believe it is time to leave it to diplomatic efforts."

Cohen-Litant said there are over one million Israelis living in the North and they are being bombarded every day with between 150-200 Katyusha medium-short and long range rockets.

"We have to protect ourselves, our citizens and there are two ways of doing it: militarily and in a diplomatic way. Now is the time for diplomatic efforts", he added.

For his part, Sofocleous said he and Cohen-Litant discussed the latest political developments in the Middle East, stressing the need to solve any differences through diplomatic means.

He added that Cyprus will continue to offer its humanitarian services to all refugees arriving in the island.